5-Star Hotels in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

This is a venerable super five-star hotel with an excellent location, though it's a bit out of the city center, making it quite inconvenient for getting to sights, attractions, and dining. However, the hotel shuttle bus to Kyoto Station is a lifesaver. The hotel was renovated a few years ago, but it still retains its 40+ years of history and luxurious decor, now blended with modern, clean design elements. Charging facilities and hygiene are excellent. I would definitely stay here again!

When we chose this hotel, we saw pictures and videos that made us think it was a resort estate, but it's not. There's very little to see inside the hotel; I could walk through the entire property in 5 minutes. Secondly, the hotel advertises natural hot springs, but the public ones reek of disinfectant as soon as you walk in, which is very unpleasant. The room itself was okay and had character, and the bathtub was very large with a pleasant woody scent when bathing. Finally, the breakfast – honestly, the taste was just mediocre. I wouldn't choose this hotel again at the same price point.

This was our first time staying in the Gion area, and Hotel the Celestine truly elevated the experience. The atmosphere is calm, elegant and very Kyoto. From check in to departure, everything felt smooth and professionally handled. The cleanliness was impeccable. The room was thoughtfully arranged with a perfect balance of modern comfort and traditional Japanese touches. Beds were extremely comfortable and the space felt well planned, not cramped like many city hotels. What makes this hotel special is the location. Stepping outside places you immediately in the charm of old Kyoto. Walking through Gion in the early morning before the crowds arrive was unforgettable. Service deserves special mention. The team was polite, warm and always ready to assist with genuine hospitality. A beautiful property for anyone who appreciates quiet luxury in a prime cultural setting. We would gladly stay again.

The room was very quiet, and the blackout curtains worked perfectly. The staff were super friendly and helpful; they even offered me an umbrella when it rained without asking for my room number, which was a lovely gesture and reminded me of the grand service of yesteryear. It's an easy walk to the bustling downtown area. Right next to the hotel is Foguang Temple, which has two huge ginkgo trees and is surprisingly peaceful with hardly any tourists.

From the moment you walk in, you know you're in for a wonderful stay. When I first arrived, I noticed a sign that said, ”Quality over Quantity.” At first, I thought it was a bit unusual, but by the end of my stay, I completely understood what it meant. This isn't a typical chain hotel—it's family-owned, and that personal touch is evident in every detail. From the pleasant scent throughout the property to the modern, high-tech features, everything was thoughtfully designed. The rooms were spectacular, and every aspect reflected quality. The bathroom was spotless, the towels were plush, the sheets were incredibly clean and smelled fresh, and all of the amenities were top-notch. What truly set this hotel apart was the hospitality. Every morning and afternoon, the staff greeted guests with a warm smile as they came and went, making the experience feel welcoming and personal. I highly recommend this hotel. The owners and staff clearly take pride in creating an exceptional experience, and it shows in every detail. It was an amazing stay from beginning to end, and I would gladly return.

Expensive but excellent! The transportation here is very central. I've noticed that Japanese people's English has improved, and there are more vegetarian options. The politeness is still there, and the vibe is still the same – a mix of joy and sorrow 🎭. The train ride was a lot of fun.

The concierge team is really resourceful and helpful when we asked about luggage delivery service, thumbs up for their service. Just love everything about the hotel, excellent hospitality, great location, beautiful design, spacious room, comfortable bed and etc. Breakfast with huge selection including some Thai dishes, crispy bacons ever, just amazing. It was really great value for the money, highly recommended!

It is a very nice hotel with attentive staff! The hotel is about a 7 minutes walk from Kyoto station. It’s a very convenient place to stay if you’re catching an early train or arriving from a late one. I don’t know if I’d recommend it for a longer stay since the area is quite boring. There’s plenty of restaurants and shops within the station but they’re very crowded and more expensive. It’s also quite far away from the main sights of Kyoto, so for a longer stay I’d recommend staying downtown. The included room amenities are good but nothing special. There’s shaving kits, towels, haircare, skincare, tea, water, and yukata robes (the robes are not souvenirs). There’s a pool, a spa area, and a restaurant, which all have an additional fee. My room was clean, but I found some scuff marks on the walls and a crack in my bathtub. From Kyoto station you can see Kyoto tower but it’s not an amazing sight hahaha. It takes about 25 minutes to downtown Kyoto from the hote

My stay at the Hilton Kyoto was absolutely delightful. The hotel perfectly blends modern comfort with Japanese aesthetics; the design is minimalist yet refined. The room was spacious, well-lit, and impeccably clean, making for an excellent stay. Located in the heart of the city, it's right next to a subway station, and within walking distance of the Shijo shopping district and the dining streets along the Kamo River, offering unparalleled convenience for getting around, sightseeing, and shopping. It offers great value for money and comfort—highly recommended!

★★★★★ Excellent Stay in the Heart of Kyoto We had a fantastic stay at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER. The hotel feels very new, modern and beautifully designed while still maintaining a calm Kyoto atmosphere. The location was excellent — convenient access to shopping, restaurants, cafes and many sightseeing areas, yet still peaceful and comfortable at night. It made exploring Kyoto extremely easy. The rooms were spacious, clean and very comfortable for our family. The hotel facilities were also impressive, especially the public bath and lounge areas which were relaxing after a full day of walking around Kyoto. What stood out most was the professionalism and hospitality of the staff. Everyone was polite, attentive and helpful throughout our stay. Overall, this hotel offered a perfect balance of luxury, comfort and convenience. We truly enjoyed our experience and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto. We would definitely stay here again on our next trip. Plenty of nearby parking too for those who drove